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New Zealand Conference Talks

Welcome to the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) New Zealand event, an unparalleled gathering of global experts and researchers dedicated to advancing the welfare and understanding of horses. This year's theme, "A Good Life for Horses" brings together the brightest minds in equitation science to explore and discuss the latest research, innovations, and best practices in horse care and training.

Equitation science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific methods to better understand horses and enhance their overall well-being. Our event in New Zealand is a unique opportunity to delve into topics such as horse behavior, welfare, training techniques, and the science behind creating optimal living conditions for horses.

By purchasing access to these talks, you'll gain insights from leading equitation scientists, veterinarians, behaviourists, and equine professionals who are at the forefront of their fields. Whether you are a horse owner, trainer, researcher, or simply passionate about equine welfare, these discussions will provide valuable knowledge and practical applications to enhance the quality of life for horses everywhere.

Join us in this enlightening journey as we strive to create a better, more informed world for our equine companions.

Members have access to the entire conference for free in their members' area. To become a member, join here: https://www.equitationscience.com/membership

Entire New Zealand Conference

Don’t miss out on the chance to save 35% by purchasing the full conference package instead of individual talks—gain invaluable insights while making the most of your investment! As equitation science and animal welfare science evolve, there's a growing need to justify the use of horses in research, production, therapy, sport, and leisure. Surveys by equine industry groups and welfare organizations, such as the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC) and Thoroughbred Racing Industry, reveal increasing public and stakeholder concern about the ethics and welfare of horses. To maintain a social license to operate and justify equine involvement in sport and leisure, we must understand and address these changing views and welfare concerns to ensure a good life for horses. ISES New Zealand 2024 offers a unique opportunity for equine researchers, veterinarians, and practitioners across disciplines—including racing, eventing, show-jumping, dressage, horse therapy, and more—to explore and discuss what constitutes a good life for horses.

£99.95 GBP

Familiarisation, Positive Associations and its Effect on Juvenile Horses in Response to a Fear Test

Dr. Gabriel Lencioni delivers a comprehensive talk covering various aspects of equine welfare, including his research on "Familiarisation, positive associations and its effect on juvenile horses in response to a fear test" Throughout the presentation, Dr. Lencioni addresses the challenges faced by horses, discusses his recent research demographic, methodologies, and results, accompanied with videos and images from his research. He also explores his other research areas related to recognising pain in horses and shares insights into the potential future applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in equine welfare. The talk concludes with Dr. Lencioni answering questions from the audience, fostering dialogue and further exploration of the topics discussed.

£5.00 GBP

Evidence-Based Horse Training

Join Dr. Andrew McLean as he delves into the essence of effective and humane horse training through the lens of the 10 ISES Training Principles. In this insightful video, Dr. McLean shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, blending academic insights with personal and professional anecdotes.

£5.00 GBP

Influence of Perceived Personality Traits on Police Horse Selection

Join Kiana McDole as she presents her recent research on the "Influence of Perceived Personality Traits on Police Horse Selection." In this informative talk, Kiana delves into trait characterisation, motives, and objectives behind her study. She outlines her hypotheses, methodologies, and shares insightful results, including demographic information and identified personality traits.   Through comprehensive analysis, Kiana explores trait comparisons, highlighting important traits and identifying reported ‘dealbreaker’ traits. She discusses the implications of her research findings, shedding light on their significance for police horse selection processes.

£5.00 GBP

Identifying Risk Factors of Conflict Behaviours in Canadian Riding Lesson Horses

In this video, Caleigh Copelin discusses her research on Identifying Risk Factors of Conflict Behaviours in Canadian Riding Lesson Horses. She explores the impact of riding lesson facilities on lesson horse welfare, examining factors like herd size, tack use, and workload. With engaging visuals and thorough analysis, Caleigh presents her findings and invites questions from the audience, sparking dialogue on equine welfare and management practices in lesson settings.

£5.00 GBP

How Useful are Physiological Measures of Stress in the Field

In the presentation on "How Useful Are Physiological Measures of Stress in the Field," Karly Liffen explores the theme of defining a "good life for horses" within the context of non-sporting working horses. She emphasises the importance of field measures in assessing stress, focusing on practical applications and their significance.  

£5.00 GBP

Exploring the Attitudes of Veterinary Hospital Staff Towards Pain Assessment in Horses

Olivia Curry's video explores veterinary staff attitudes towards pain assessment in horses, highlighting gaps in knowledge and stressing the need for accurate evaluation. Through qualitative methods using semi-structured interviews, Olivia identifies challenges such as subjectivity, bias, and variability in pain assessment. She discusses internal and external factors influencing assessment, emphasising the importance of observational cues. Curry advocates for optimising techniques to boost veterinarian competence and calls for future research to improve methods. Join her for insights into pain assessment complexities and enhancing veterinary practices for better animal care.

£5.00 GBP

Differences in Jockey Position

Join Dr. Kylie Legg as she explores the intricate world of jockeys and the broader riding and racing industry. In this insightful discussion, Dr. Legg highlights the demanding workload of jockeys, examining aspects such as falls, wins, and rides. Her extensive field research delves into the muscle groups used by jockeys, tracking physical exertion, heart rate, and core stabilisation. The video compares the physical demands on jockeys during exercise, racing, and trials, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.

£5.00 GBP

How Should We Think About Equine Ethics

In this video, Professor Madeleine Campbell explores "How We Should Think About Equine Ethics in the Era of One Health and One Welfare." Offering a comprehensive overview of current equine ethics, Campbell provides insights on fostering a more ethical and sustainable future for horses. Join us to understand the ethical issues in the equine world and learn how to support a compassionate approach to equine sports and welfare.

£5.00 GBP

The Wicked Situation of Horse Welfare

In this video, Julie Fiedler explores her paper "The Wicked Situation of Horse Welfare", which aims to gain insights into perspectives on future equine well-being improvements and potential policy considerations. The study surveys experienced horse sport participants, gathering their views on current best practices in managing venues, feeding and watering horses, monitoring fitness to participate, and considering horse behaviors. The video delves into the detailed descriptions provided by respondents, discussing what could be improved in venue design and management, horse health and well-being, governance and policy, as well as education and research. Finally, the video presents recommended policy considerations based on the findings of this comprehensive study.

£5.00 GBP

Analysis of Equestrian's Knowledge Level

In this video, Sarah Marlene Lojewski's discusses her insightful paper, "Analysis of Equestrian's Knowledge Level." Sarah explores the differences between professional and leisure riders in their understanding and application of key training methods and techniques. Discover the findings from an extensive online survey and learn how these training techniques are understood in practice by various equestrian groups.

£5.00 GBP

A Good Life for Horses

Professor Paul McGreevy delivers a comprehensive video on ethical equitation, introducing the Mellorator and E-BARQ, updating on whips and nosebands, and offering top tips for early career researchers. He discusses the importance of equitation science in understanding horse welfare through the 5 Domains Model, and shares practical methods for owners to monitor their horses’ well-being. The video explores the use of E-BARQ in both practice and research, and addresses studies on horse skin thickness, nociceptors related to whip use, whip force in jockeys, and the anatomy of nosebands, bits, and rein tension. And many other topics.

£5.00 GBP

Polo - What Do We Know Now?

Join Dr Russell Best as he introduces and analyses the sport of polo in this insightful video. He delves into his recent research on speed and distance covered in chukkas, highlighting the differences between open and women's polo regarding speed, distance covered, impacts, accelerations, and decelerations. Discover the types of technology used to measure these variables in polo chukkas and explore future ideas and current conversations about SLO in polo. This comprehensive analysis provides a deeper understanding of the sport and its dynamic nature.

£5.00 GBP

Day 1 Lightning Talks

Day 1 Lightning Talks: Multiple researchers discussing their research paper in a few minutes. 1. Saddle Symmetry of Riding School Horses’ Saddles and Competition Horses’ Saddles 2. Assessing Respiratory Pattern Changes Using a Microphone at High-Speed Trot in Standard Trotters - A Pilot Study 3. Respiratory Rate Detection Using Non-Contact Infrared Thermography in Horses at Rest 4. Piloting New Reversal Learning Test for Horses 5. Interpretation of Equine Affective States: An Exploration of Consistency 6. Interpretation of Equine Affective States: Can We Agree?

£5.00 GBP

Summary for Work of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission

Professor Nat Waran on “Summary of the Work of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission.” Some topics this comprehensive presentation covers are why the FEI established the Commission, its role and objectives, social license to operate, surveys and public and stakeholder perception, ongoing concerns, research and research articles, recommendations, and insights on “A Good Life for Horses.” It also includes over 10 minutes of questions and discussions.

£5.00 GBP

Effect of Noseband Tightening on Eye Temperature

Dr. Orla Doherty presents: “Effect of Noseband Tightening on Eye Temperature". Discover the importance of noseband tightness, its impact on anatomy and mechanics, welfare concerns, and potential lesions. Learn about previous findings and how infrared thermography is used to measure eye and noseband temperature. Includes recommendations for further study.

£5.00 GBP

Effect of Hay Feeding Regimen on Horses Emotional State

Prof. Uta König von Borstel on "Effect of Hay Feeding Regimen on Horses' Emotional State". Exploring how natural eating behavior and current management practices affect horses' emotional states. Comparing horses fed ad libitum with haynets versus restricted loose hay, using a judgment bias task to assess behavior around feeding.

£5.00 GBP

Observational Indicators of Fatigue During Cross Country

In "Observational Indicators of Fatigue During Cross Country," Professor Jane Williams discusses the Social License to Operate (SLO) and lack of research on the effects of fatigue on both horse and rider. Recent high-profile televised incidents involving fatigued horses have raised public and stakeholder concerns about horse welfare. The study uses recorded video footage to analyse both positive and negative behaviours as indicators of fatigue, aiming to better understand and measure this critical issue in equine sports.

£5.00 GBP

Validation of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) Through Quantitative Behavioural Tests

In this video, Dr. Gemma Pearson discusses the "Validation of a Qualitative Behaviour Assessment (QBA) Measured Through Quantitative Behavioural Tests", funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. She provides an overview of the current state of Social License to Operate (SLO) and equine welfare. The research focuses on developing and validating novel behavioural assessment methods, ensuring they are reliable by comparing them against established behavioural tests. Key tests covered include the Human Approach Test, Activity Levels, Attention Bias Test, and Habituation Test, all aimed at better understanding and improving equine welfare.

£5.00 GBP

Horse Owner Knowledge of Fundamental Care and Implementation of Mandatory Knowledge Certificate

Megan Watney and her presentation on her research "Horse Owners' Knowledge of Fundamental Care and Their Perceptions on the Implementation of a Mandatory Equine Knowledge Certificate", is based on the new equine welfare laws in France. The study addresses concerns about the lack of knowledge across all five domains of horse care and explores education as a necessary intervention and legislation as a potential incentive for improved welfare. Key questions include: What are horse owners' perceptions of implementing a mandatory certificate for owning, buying, or selling a horse? How well do horse owners understand fundamental care? And what is the association between the equine knowledge certificate and owners' understanding of essential care practices?

£5.00 GBP

Carbon Footprint of a Dutch Sport Horse

In the presentation on "Carbon Footprint of a Dutch Jumping and Dressage Horse," Iris Huisman explores the environmental impact of sport horses, focusing on greenhouse gas emissions. The video explains how horses, including their digestion and transportation for competitions, contributes to their carbon footprint. The video highlights the broader implications for environmental sustainability in equestrian sports.

£5.00 GBP

Day 3 Lightning Talks

This video features multiple research studies from 2024, including Visser et al. on horses' behavioral responses to equine-assisted coaching and its safety implications; Williams et al. on improving the traceability of UK Thoroughbreds; Williams et al. again on enhancing racehorse second careers through multidisciplinary expert opinion; Badner et al. on the influence of horse temperament on reactions to being blindfolded; Mårtensson and Sassner's systematic review on sustainability in equine science; Chapman et al. on lessons learned from horse-related fatalities using HFACS-Equestrianism; and Bowen's development of a scoring system to guide the grading of quality of movement.

£5.00 GBP

Setting Up Horses For A Good Life

In this presentation, Professor Janne Winther Christensen discusses "Setting Up Horses for a Good Life." She explores various traits in horses that are shaped by prenatal effects, environmental experiences, genetic factors, and early postnatal influences, delving into how these elements interact with one another. The discussion includes research on fear responses during mare and foal training, along with insights on raising mares and foals. Professor Winther Christensen also covers the behavioral and physiological effects of weaning and offers recommendations for managing this critical period. Additionally, she examines adolescent behavior and management strategies. The presentation concludes with a summary of key points for setting up horses for a healthy, fulfilling life.

£5.00 GBP

Behavioural Characteristics of Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTTBs) in Equestrian Second Careers

In this presentation, Dr. Anne-Louise Knox discusses her research on "Owner-Observed Behavioural Characteristics of Off-The-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTTBs) in Equestrian Second Careers." She emphasises the importance of understanding OTTTB behaviour for their successful transition into new equestrian roles. Dr. Knox highlights the use of E-BARQ, a valuable tool for gathering behavioural data, which has significantly advanced our understanding of these horses' characteristics. Her research utilised E-BARQ data to compare OTTTBs with other horse breeds, focusing on specific behavioural factors to better understand how these retired racehorses adapt to their second careers.

£5.00 GBP

Working on Reaching a Consensus on Nasal Based Acoustic Sounds

In this video, Chloe Young presents her research titled "Working on Reaching a Consensus on Nasal Based Acoustic Sounds (NBAS)." The study aims to categorize and establish a uniform nomenclature for equine NBAS, specifically focusing on the identification and description of sounds like blows, snorts, and whuffles. Chloe demonstrates the distinctions between these sounds using audio and spectrograms, explaining the differences between waveform and spectrogram analysis. The presentation includes video and audio examples of NBAS, providing context for when and how these sounds occur in horses.

£5.00 GBP

Rein Tension and Perceived Driveability

The presentation "Harness Racing Through the Lens of Animal Welfare Science: Rein Tension and Perceived Driveability" by Professor Paul McGreevy examines the intersection of animal welfare and harness racing. It addresses the current perceptions of racing and competition, particularly focusing on the issue of mouth lesions in horses. The study discusses the relationship between rein tension and the occurrence of lesions. Additionally, it considers drivers' perceptions of these factors and how we can identify optimal rein tension.

£5.00 GBP

Oral Conflict Behaviour is a Potential Indicator of Oral Lesions in Dressage Horses

Professor Janne Winther-Christensen's presentation, "Oral Conflict Behaviour is a Potential Indicator of Oral Lesions in Dressage Horses," examines the link between behavioral signs of discomfort and the prevalence of oral lesions in dressage horses. The study focuses on identifying specific oral conflict behaviors that may signal underlying oral health issues, providing valuable insights into the early detection and management of these lesions to improve horse welfare in dressage.

£5.00 GBP

Safe, Effective, and Ethical Horse-Human Interaction

Dr. Kathalijne Visser's presentation, "Safe, Effective, and Ethical Horse-Human Interaction," explores the complexities of how horses perceive and respond to human behavior. It discusses multiple studies that examine the impact of human actions on horses, highlighting the importance of understanding equine perception. The presentation also covers Equine Assisted Services and their effects on horses, the role of equine-related education, and practitioners' perceived knowledge scores. Additionally, it delves into horse affective states, body language, and cognitive bias, emphasizing the need for safe and ethical practices in horse-human interactions.

£5.00 GBP

How Does the Industry View the Suitability and Versatility of OTTTBs in a Second Career?

Natasha Rose's presentation, "How Does the Equestrian Industry View the Suitability and Versatility of Retired Thoroughbred Racehorses in a Second Career?" delves into the perceptions within the equestrian industry regarding retired Thoroughbreds, also known as OTTBs (Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds). The study aims to understand these views to support a sustainable aftercare sector for racehorses. It explores questions such as whether OTTBs are believed to have more physical issues, their quality of life before and after racing, and the diversity of second careers they can pursue. Additionally, the presentation discusses the reputation of Thoroughbreds, the education and information available on retired racehorses, and more.

£5.00 GBP

Monitoring the Cumulative Use of Horses Working in Education

Lindsay Skyner's study, "Monitoring the Cumulative Use of Horses Working in Education," focuses on developing an objective system to track and quantify the cumulative impact of educational work on individual horses. The system assigns points to specific tasks or procedures that working horses perform, and once a horse accumulates a certain number of points, they are given a break. This approach aims to ensure the well-being of horses by preventing overwork. The presentation explores the effectiveness of this monitoring system and its implications for improving the management of horses in educational settings.

£5.00 GBP

Effect of Touch on Horses During Horse-Human Interactions

Dr. Katrina Merkies' study explores how touch affects horses during human interactions, focusing on behavioral and physiological responses. The research examines horses' reactions to consensual versus non-consensual touch, and touches on preferred versus non-preferred areas. It also considers how human experience with horses influences these responses, offering insights into improving human-horse relationships and horse welfare.

£5.00 GBP

Detecting Positive Equine Emotions to Assess Quality of Life in Horses

In this presentation, Dr. Cathrynne Henshall explores "Detecting Positive Equine Emotions to Assess Quality of Life in Horses." She explains that horses experience their lives subjectively and highlights the importance of modern welfare assessment. The discussion focuses on emotions and moods, particularly those with positive valence, and their connection to arousal. Dr. Henshall addresses the challenges of measuring positive states in horses and reviews the current progress in recognising these emotions, including in ridden horses. She also discusses the use of AI in enhancing the detection and understanding of positive emotions in equine welfare research.

£5.00 GBP